Tech students earn honors at first Model Arab League conference appearance
In their first-ever appearance at the Model Arab League conference, students from Tennessee Tech University earned multiple top honors while representing the nation of Kuwait.
Model Arab League (MAL) is a diplomatic simulation in which students step into the role of delegates from Arab League member states, debating regional issues, drafting resolutions and collaborating with peers from universities across the country.
Led by Inyeop “Jason” Lee, assistant professor of political science, the Tech delegation competed at the 2026 conference in Spartanburg, South Carolina, earning multiple “superior delegation” awards.
“Over the three-day conference, my students actively engaged in seven council meetings, role-playing as diplomats as they discussed, negotiated and collaborated with approximately 15 delegations from more than 10 universities across the Southeast,” said Lee. “Ultimately, they contributed to drafting resolutions addressing key issues in the Middle East.”
The opportunity grew out of a student organization founded by Lee in 2025, reflecting increasing interest in hands-on, diplomacy-based learning. Participation in Model Arab League is now a key component of his Middle East politics course, with students taking the lead in selecting roles and preparing for competition.
Participation and success at the conference were largely student-driven, with attendees organizing responsibilities and leading their own preparation ahead of the event.
“I really enjoyed this conference, but the most valuable learning experience for me was developing leadership and teamwork skills,” said Madison Haney, one of the Tech students who attended. “It was especially rewarding to collaborate with participants representing other countries and work together to solve problems. The communication skills I gained will also be highly beneficial in my future career.”
Three Tech students were recognized with awards at the conference. Haney and Dalton Brown earned superior delegation honors in environmental affairs, while Shon Knox received a superior delegation award in economic affairs.
Lee said participation in Model Arab League offers an immersive opportunity for Tech students to learn, collaborate and represent the university.
“I found the preparation for and participation in this conference to be an excellent educational and professional experience for my students,” Lee said. “They developed critical skills in leadership, teamwork, communication, public speaking, parliamentary procedure, research, policy analysis, diplomacy, negotiation and critical thinking.
“Understanding the politics and diplomacy of Arab countries is critically important for formulating effective U.S. foreign policy in the region and for promoting peace and mutual understanding,” he added. “Students also gained deeper insights into the political, economic and cultural complexities of the Arab world, enhancing their cultural awareness and global perspectives.”
The trip to Model Arab League is fully funded by the Tech Department of Sociology and Political Science and the Chapter 606 Fund. Lee will continue to teach the Middle East politics course and lead a three-day trip to the conference each spring semester.
To learn more about Tech’s Department of Sociology and Political Science, visit https://www.tntech.edu/cas/sps/.